Congresswoman Comments On Trump Policy On Immigration and Stance On Certain Cities
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, recently sparked controversy by claiming that illegally entering the U.S. is “not a crime” despite clear federal statutes that say otherwise.
Her comments, made during an appearance on MSNBC’s The Katie Phang Show, have drawn sharp criticism from those who argue that her interpretation of immigration law is misleading and politically motivated.
During the interview, Crockett pushed back against Republican concerns over illegal immigration, insisting that it is merely a “civil violation” rather than a criminal offense.
“They continue to say things like ‘the illegals’ and that they broke the law coming in,” she said. “But what they’re not telling the American people is that it is a civil violation. It is not a criminal violation to enter the country illegally. It’s not. It’s not criminal. It’s not a crime. It’s not a crime.”
However, federal law tells a different story. Under 8 USC 1325, first-time offenders who illegally cross the U.S. border can be charged with a federal misdemeanor, punishable by fines and up to six months in jail.
Repeat offenders face more severe penalties, including up to two years in prison. Additionally, under 8 USC 1326, illegal immigrants who reenter the U.S. after being removed—especially those with prior felony convictions—can face up to 20 years behind bars.
Crockett’s statement appears to conflate different legal distinctions. While overstaying a visa is classified as a civil offense, unlawfully crossing the border without inspection is explicitly a criminal act under federal law. This nuance seems to have been conveniently overlooked in her argument.
Beyond her legal assertions, Crockett took the opportunity to launch a broadside against Republicans, accusing them of hypocrisy for supporting immigration enforcement while backing former President Donald Trump.
“Don’t give me this fake outrage about criminals roaming our streets when you guys stand 10 toes down for the biggest criminal that we have ever seen go into the White House,” she declared.
Crockett’s rhetoric is in line with her increasingly combative stance against Trump and his supporters. She has positioned herself as a leading Democratic voice in attacking the former president, even labeling him an “enemy” of the United States in a recent MSNBC interview.